I've watched three movies today. They made me laugh, cry, and even grimace a bit at its worst parts. But no matter the fact that half the dialogue was way too expository, this is what film is about. It's meant to make you feel. That's why I chose to major in cinema production. I want to give people something; something they can hold onto. For example: specifically made movies for certain people. Movies about teenage angst for those feeling like they're misunderstood in their adolescence, or a movie about a giant kaiju lizard fighting a gigantic ape in a place called Hollow Earth for people who want to watch something fun. My dad is the latter. That's how I first developed my love for movies. My Dad always took me to see all the Marvel and Star Wars showings. I vividly remember begging my mom to let me see the midnight showing of Man of Steel when I was only 9 years old and had school the next day. I beg and plead every moment that I can make something that gets someone that excited and passionate. I personally hope I can do that through visuals, that's why I have decided to pursue Cinematography. Like in Avatar: The Last Airbender when our antagonist, Zuko, is being told the truth about his grandfathers, one evil and one good. When being told about the positive side of his family, we see the right side of Zuko's face, unscarred. When being told about the negative side, we see the left side, burned and scarred by his own father. The visual is so powerful, a boy being split between two worlds causing a devastating battle inside of him. I want to be able to impact someone the way that my favorite movies and tv shows have impacted me.

PINK! Every. Single. Thing. Would be pink. (In my dream house). It would have to be located somewhere warm enough for a pool, but not hot enough where my pink popsicles would be melting. The lining of the pool would of course have to be a bright, rosy Fuschia; and the pool floaties would consist of sparkly flamingos and sprinkled strawberry donuts; with a swirly blush slide to compliment them. Inside I cannot pass up the opportunity to have a plastique-like mini elevator, consistent with the one I had in my dreamhouse as a little girl. The elevator would go to at least three floors, to ensure maximized dream house decorating and enjoyment. On the first floor, we would have the kitchen, equipped with a rotating cupcake dispenser and mechanic island to hold various kitchen appliances; such as the toaster, blender, or even a mini easy bake oven (functional of course). Other instruments such as the fridge would of course have to be a vintage light pink 1920s theme, with the utensils and larger cooking implements the same. Next to the cooking area would have to be a large living room holding a multi-colored couch with unique y2k pillows and tiny flower-shaped tables on each end. The posters along the walls would have to showcase my favorite Barbies, such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Florence Pugh, and other talented women. Amongst these placards would be smaller wall decor, such as pantones of pink and small movie posters with a rosy filter on top to match the aesthetic. Now with the lounge space being so visually pleasing, we have to have eyes to gaze upon it; meaning a subtly heart-shaped conversation pit is essential. Fluffy and reverse-sparkle pillows would litter the cushions, and throw blankets crocheted with hearts. Our second floor would contain the main bedroom and lavish bathroom, including a heart-shaped tub and bed. Also included in our bathroom would be a sequin shower curtain and an infinite amount of bath bombs for maximum relaxation. The mirror would have to be the iconic silhouette of Barbie's ponytail, accentuated with vanity lights to ensure a flawless makeup look. Inside the bedroom, you would find a rotating closet, coupled with a computerized outfit designer, inspired by Cher's same mechanic in Clueless. Pink fairy lights would cover each corner of the bedroom and would accessorize the pink canopy above the bed, followed by shiny pink bows to tie it back when not in use. The third floor would have to be the largest and most important. With so much space and inventory I would love to house rescued animals; such as those who were abandoned, abused, or unwanted. No dog, cat, rodent, etc. would go hungry, cold, or unhoused. I could go into shelters and ask for their oldest residents, so they can live the rest of their life in a personable and comfortable home. As long as I have the right amount of space and supplies, I would love to give hurting animals a metaphorical (or literal) band-aid and give them the love they all deserve. I have always wanted to run a rescue or foster home, but I am very limited financially and have no space to put them. With this hypothetical dream house, I would give them the best life they could ever ask for, and mine would not be so bad either.

As a child, I heard repeatedly that pursuing a career in the arts was dangerous. The movies and TV shows we all watch depict failed artists who lacked funds, support, motivation, and respect. They have parents that think they are wasting their lives. They often ask, "Where is the money in that?" or "You have to think about your future." However, isn't a useless 9-5 a waste of our future? Shouldn't we be encouraged to pursue our passions instead of money? As I grew up, I never understood why people gave up their dreams. But now I do. I see the lack of support and the doubt that becomes instilled in people. I understand why people lose their passion and interest, and it has nothing to do with them. At family events, a young girl may apathetically discuss her plans to major in business. She tells her aunts, uncles, and cousins about the SUNY school she got into with full scholarships. All while her cello sits quietly in her room, waiting to be played by passionate fingers and a mind that longs for a career in music. Her younger brother is barely listening while he scribbles away on a placemat, not knowing his scribbling will become a wasted, dismissed dream. These children lack support and understanding. Two things I do not. Entering a career in the arts can be scary, as I know the stigma surrounding it, but I knew I would regret it endlessly if I didn't try. I have always loved creating, and I have always found a special astonishment in cinema. Watching Dreamworks' Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron so many times as a child that I broke two discs and a DVD player. Witnessing the Marvel cinematic universe expand before my adolescent eyes in wonder. Writing down ideas for camera angles and storylines, I knew I wanted a career in this industry. The ability to tell stories through visuals alone captured my heart. Watching films with dazzling eyes, and often an open mouth, has opened my mind to new worlds and emotions. The work that goes into them is unparalleled, the detail is unprecedented, and the execution is unrivaled. I know my place in this industry can be special, and I know my career will be a long, adventurous journey. Because if I don't pursue my dreams with the support I have, what example am I setting for those without it?

My favorite Disney character is Mulan. Ever since I was little she has been my inspiration. Her tenacious spirit and her ability to overcome any obstacles put in her way have made her an icon. When I was small, I was never picked on. I was never bullied. This is because I know how to be tough and intimidating. I learned these skills through various film and TV characters. They have shown me it is ok to be vulnerable, but they've also shown me how to be resilient. Mulan was a key component in building my character. I needed this character in fifth grade when my appendix spontaneously ruptured. I was only eleven when it happened, and I was out of school for three months. I had intense pain in my lower abdomen that hurt so bad I could barely move, so my mom brought me to a Doctor. In the Doctor's office, they asked me to do jumping jacks. Wanting to do my best and act strong, I did them. It hurt an indescribable amount. I couldn't speak after or during, but I did them. The doctor told my parents that children with a burst appendix can't do jumping jacks. So they sent us home. My mother was still extremely concerned, so she brought me to her hospital. I got a cat scan and a sonogram, and they drew my blood. The whole time I was thinking, "Be strong like Mulan. She would want you to be strong." She was my idol when I was small, so I thought about her bravery every moment in the hospital. Eventually, the hospital's Doctor came back and told my mom I had to be transferred and operated on immediately because I had a burst appendix. I had to undergo surgery for hours before I was finally allowed to rest. And the day I was supposed to be discharged I was told I had scar tissue that reformed, and I had to stay longer. I went through so much exhaustion and pain, but I stayed strong. I stayed strong and I pulled through. Because I had Mulan's willpower and perseverance.

I am a Cinema Production major. Since I was little I have found an incomparable comfort in film and television. Having the ability to create something that can impact someone so much is such a beautiful skill. Whether I need a good laugh or a good cry, or I'm simply bored; I can always find myself watching a television show or a movie. I want to be able to create films that impact people as well. I want to make something that people can go to to escape the chaos of their homes or the commotion in their heads. With film, I can do this. I can make something people will connect with and identify with. Using the magnificent tool of storytelling I will be able to create original and intriguing works of art that can bring people together. Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe for example. People from all around the world love and indulge in these stories. They come together at comic cons and in movie theaters. These fans all share a strong and passionate love for these movies, so much so that they've created their own community for them. They hang up posters of their favorite films, buy action figures and place them in glass display cases, attend panels and Q&As for the stars of these movies, and create their own works of art to appreciate some of the films. This sense of neighborhood and community is so marvelous. Knowing everyone around you appreciates the same things you do, and knowing everyone around you connects with the same things you do. It gives you a sense of acceptance. That is what I want to do. Make a film or a set of films that can give people a sense of acceptance, a sense of community, or a feeling of representation. Anything I can do to make people hear me and make others feel heard is my goal. With this sense of representation, hopefully, others will feel seen and feel as though they can do what they have always wanted to do. They will feel like they can pursue their ambitious careers and dream goals. Because when you see someone just like you, struggling with the same things you do, fighting for the same things you're fighting for, end up happy and successful; it makes you feel like you can do the same. Regardless of your inhibitions or disabilities.

I apply creativity in my life through problem solving. I work at Ben & Jerry's on my town's main street. I often face problems that have difficult or impossible solutions, so I use my creativity to find those solutions. One time our soap dispenser stopped working, so I made a small contraption with tape and a bottle cap to fix it. And it worked! Another time I had bought a small Menorah for the store during Hanukkah. I then realized it was battery operated and I didn't have a screw driver small enough to open it up. I searched the store up and down for random things I might be able to use to unscrew it. I found an odd piece of metal connected to the soap box we use for mopping. I disconnected it, bent it a tad, and I had myself a tiny screwdriver. I then used the batteries from the remote to the TV in the back room because it's never used. With initially no batteries and no screwdriver, I creatively came up with a way to get the Menorah to work. Another way I apply creativity to my life is through writing. I love to write stories about different things, like romance or action. Creating a whole story with your own characters is so much fun, and a huge stress reliever. When I write stories I use whatever I can think of. Whatever creativity my brain can come up with I use. I love using creativity to problem solve and relieve my own stress through writing.

The wisest thing I've ever heard is advice I received from my dad. He once told me, "If it doesn't feel right, it isn't". His words have gotten me through so many different situations, small and big. I've even given them to my friends and others that have asked me for advice. When he told me those words, I thought they were simple. It wasn't until I got into a situation where it applied that I realized just how right he was. For example: when I was in second grade a boy asked me to go on a date with him. Something about him didn't sit quite right with me so I said no. Around four seconds after my rejection he picked up a chair and threw it at our classroom's smart-board. Another more serious application of my father's words is when I'm in any public place. If I'm uncomfortable or something doesn't feel right, I will leave. If I feel I or my friends may be in danger, I'll find the quickest exit. Because of my dad I know exactly what situations I can stay in, and which I can leave. I know to trust my gut and listen to myself if something doesn't feel right. I believe my father's words have made me a much more observant, vigilant, and responsible person.

I love nature because of her tolerance. We as human beings have come to show her time and time again that we do not deserve her, yet she still tolerates us. If she wanted to she could send any amount of ecological disasters our way, but she decides not to. Her belief in humanity is astounding. We constantly disrespect her in ways unimaginable. We pollute her waters and cut down her forests. People on Earth treat our planet like it's simply a first home. Like we can move when it becomes uninhabitable. That's not the case, which is why I treat nature with care. I try my very hardest to appreciate nature and take care of her. I love animals and plants, and when I can I lend my services to them. For example: when it rains I'll take my dogs for a walk and look for worms that have been washed into the street. If I spot one I pick them up and put them onto a dry patch of dirt. It's a small thing that saves so many little lives. Another way I appreciate nature is recycling. I work at Ben & Jerry's on my town's main street and we use quite a lot of cardboard and bottles. When I find myself using the last of something in a cardboard box, I'll fold it up into the smallest size I can, and then I'll bring it out to my car and bring it home with me. Then when the time comes to recycle it I take it out. I will always love and cherish nature the way she deserves. I will always try my very best to keep her alive and healthy.

1. I don't deserve this scholarship at all. As a matter of fact I don't even know why I'm writing this out right now because I am just flushed with cash. My bank account is basically overflowing with finances. I mean if anything I'd give this scholarship to someone else because I couldn't be more unworthy. 2. I actually have no intention of attending college. I plan to grow old in my mother's basement and occasionally come upstairs to cook and burn in the harsh judgement of sunlight. I have no real aspirations or goals. I'm basically a bowl of white rice. Just sitting on a table with a lot of butter and salt in it, waiting to be eaten or thrown out. But to sum up: no career and/or educational goals, I plan to remain on the dinner table. 3. When I come across an obstacle I don't overcome it. I walk around it or go backwards on my path. I've never worked for anything in my life because if something isn't handed to me, it's too much effort to acquire. Why would I put effort into something? I don't overcome obstacles, they overcome me.

I love dogs because of their unconditional love. My whole life I have always felt unwanted. If I'm with a group of people I will always feel like the least important person there. People will make fun of me and call me names. They usually see it as a joke, but I don't think they realize how that affects someone. They judge others and I often feel as though they're judging me. But I never feel judged by a dog. I have two boys at home who I love. They're both mutts. Nico is our oldest. He has too many breeds in him to list but he's mostly Border Collie and German Shepherd. Our newest addition is Bolt, who is a German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd mix. I love them both so much. When I'm driving home, they're who I'm excited to see. When I walk into my house, I feel so loved. They have very different personalities, Bolt has much more energy than Nico. When I get home Bolt will jump up in the air to show his excitement, while Nico will simply wag his tail and give me a toy to tug on. He's older so it's okay. When I'm with my dogs I feel unjudged and completely loved. I don't think I'll ever meet someone who will get as excited as they do when they see me. They have such different brains than people, and I couldn't be happier about it. Human beings are judgmental and selfish. They often only do things if it benefits them directly. They hurt other people to get what they want and barely care about anything but money. Dogs don't care about any of that. They are the farthest thing from materialistic. They're selfless, loving, and kind creatures. Not a single dog is born bad, they just get bad owners. And sure, some dogs are born with behavioral issues or get more aggressive as they age, but that is something they can't help. It's just like a mental illness in a human being. We can get help for it but we can't get rid of it. My dog Nico is food aggressive, so we just give him space when he eats. As long as we don't bother him while he finishes his food he's a perfect dog. Our other dog Bolt has a neural issue that makes him a little special, but we love him unconditionally; just like he does us. Another dog I love is my family's old dog, Jade. I don't really remember a lot about her, but I know she was a good dog. She always listened and always loved us. She would pull my brother around on a sled when it would snow, and she would greet me and my sister when we'd get home from school. She was perfect. She was put down as she got very old. That was the only time I've ever seen my dad cry. The last dog I'd like to talk about is Maya. Our family dog who shared a home with Jade but had to be re-homed because they began to fight. A wonderful family with a newborn baby took her in. A little while after Maya had left we got an e-mail saying she had saved the family's baby. A burglar had broken into their house with a knife, and Maya had chased him out of the baby's room. The man was so scared he jumped out the window. She saved everyone's life in that house because dogs are loyal, sensitive, and loving creatures.

In my eyes, kindness is the most important trait a person can have. You never, ever know what’s going on in someone else’s life unless they tell you directly. If someone is being rude towards me, I always take into account that I will never know what they might be going through inside. For example if a waitress at a restaurant isn’t too friendly to her customers, they don’t know her mother or father might have some type of medical issue. It’s best to never assume someone’s background, history or present mental state. One should always choose kindness and understanding over judgment. Another way to show simple but important kindness is through compliments. Everybody has insecurities, it doesn’t matter what you think about someone. Most people see a confident person and often assume they’re narcissistic, but that person could be insecure about many miniscule things. They could hate the way their hair looks or hate the way they look in a bikini, they might have scars they dislike or acne they cover up. Just because someone radiates an aura of confidence it doesn’t mean they actually feel confident. So even if someone seems perfectly self-assured and happy within themselves, I love to give out acclamations. Even I can remember compliments I’ve been given in the past because they stick with people. For example, I dislike the way my hair curls. One day a boy at my job told me he loved my hair. Now his comment lives with me whenever I bring myself down for my natural curls. It’s simple things like that; complimenting someone’s hair or someone’s smile, or just giving a simple accolade about someone’s outfit, whatever it is it’s a simple act of kindness to lift another person up. An alternative form of kindness is love. Showing love to your family and friends is very important. It doesn’t matter how one does it as long as the other person can feel it. For me it’s gifts. I love giving my friends and family presents, and the more specific the gift the more special it is. If you give someone a very specific gift pertaining to their personality, it shows you listen to them and understand them. Getting people birthday and Christmas gifts is one of my favorite things to do. Seeing the smile on someone’s face when they see something they’ll enjoy inside their gift box is priceless. I love making people happy. These are the reasons I value kindness as one of the most important traits a human being can have, and I believe I see that quality in myself. To reiterate what I said before, any single act of kindness, no matter how miniscule it may seem, might become the biggest part of someone’s day. So in summary, always treat people with kindness and always choose love. In choosing kindness I can get extremely far in life. You never know who the person is that you might be complimenting or helping. They could be attached to the career you've always wanted or might become your best friend. If people aren't kind they won't gain many friends, and in the end will probably have an unfulfilled life. So I give out love and goodwill to make sure everyone around me, and myself, can have a life filled with gratitude and appreciation.

I have many different negative experiences with finance. I have three guinea pigs that I love and cherish very much. I used to have six but three of them passed away. One of them passed from cancer, and the other had a giant abscess in her belly. The veterinarians gave me options on what to do when they were diagnosed, and all of them were expensive. My guinea pig named Sansa was the one diagnosed with cancer. They gave me medicine to help with her pain, and told me there nothing else to be done. She passed away shortly after. My other guinea pig, Biscuit, had an abscess in her stomach. The veterinarians gave me more options for her. It was between lots of medicine in hopes it would shrink, surgery to remove it, or euthanasia. They told me the surgery had a 1 to 100 chance of working, and if they operated on her she would most likely pass on the table. It was also an extremely expensive amount of money. I didn't want her last moments to be on an operating table, so I made the decision to put her down because she was in pain and she wasn't going to live much longer. If I hadn't made the decision she would have passed slowly and painfully; I didn't want that for her. I could barely even afford the euthanasia, let alone the thought of surgery. But it was better for her to go peacefully. My other guinea pig, Padme, has an issue with her nose. The doctor told me she needs a ct scan, which can cost up to $15,000. I can't afford it. I can't get my guinea pig the proper care she needs because I simply don't have enough money. My overall point is that I can't afford these issues. I save up my money for my guinea pigs to be safe and healthy, but it's difficult when I need to supply for myself as well. This prospect of saving is also applied to the college I'm going to. I made my college decision based on money, because I didn't really have another choice. I want to study film and go into the film industry, but the school that gave me that major had a tuition of around $13,000. I couldn't commit there when I got better offers at other schools. I chose my school Carlow University because its tuition is around $3,000 a year. It doesn't have the major I want, it's not the school I imagined myself going to, and overall I have to be honest: I just don't like it. I got accepted into Duquesne University, but I haven't gotten my financial aid letter yet. I'm waiting for it to decide if I can go there instead. If I don't get enough money from them, I can't go to the school I want. My future is dependent on whether or not I get a small enough tuition from this institution. I'm applying to as many scholarships as I can, in hopes that I'll get enough to go to the school I actually want. I would use my education at Duquesne University to get into any industry where I can help someone else. Whether it's physically or mentally. I love seeing people happy. If I get enough scholarships, I can live the life I want, with the education I want; and not have to base it on how much money I have in my bank account.